Brendan Nash ... We had a good day out and everything is going smoothly. - File

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

A CARIBBEAN Developmental XI - led by Trinidad and Tobago all-rounder Yannick Ottley - held the upper hand against the visiting Australia Under-16 side on a rain-shortened opening day of a two-day match on Wednesday at the Frank Worrell Oval.

The young Australians, after being put into bat, struggled against a well-disciplined bowling attack and were skittled out for a measly 96.

They were undermined by Teshawn Castro, who bagged five for 29.

The Caribbean team closed on 22 for one when bad light stopped play 29 overs early.

Batting prowess

Left-handed opening batsman Evin Lewis was not out on eight, and all-rounder Yannic Cariah unbeaten on seven. They lost the wicket of Grenadian opening batsman Dennis Smith caught behind off Alex Pycroft for three in the third over of the innings.

Castro, a Central Trinidad fast bowler, showed that he is one to be considered for the future with an intelligent spell of bowling as he broke the back of the Australian batting line-up.